Blazing Battle Arena: The Final Trial of the Scorching Heaven Sword Sect

Blazing Battle Arena – Present Moment

The fourth battle in this final exam had begun, and the participants stepping into the arena were none other than Qi Yuan and Dao Zhi.

Dao Zhi's appearance was just like that of a monk, with a large pendant necklace resembling that of a Taoist practitioner. His energy was golden in color, and Qi Yuan could sense the astonishing aura radiating from Dao Zhi's qi.

"Don't disappoint me, kid. I'm curious about the strength of the person who ranked first in the first trial," Dao Zhi said in a gentle tone, his right hand holding the pendant-like bracelet he was wearing.

Qi Yuan responded with the same words. "Likewise, young monk. Don't let me down." He took his stance in front of Dao Zhi.

Both of them were at the same level—Qi Foundation Stage, Level Seven. Without hesitation, Dao Zhi launched a punch toward Qi Yuan.

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

"Interesting! You took my blows without even flinching a step, haha," Dao Zhi said with a smile, delighted to fight such a strong opponent.

"Twelve Buddha Palms! Hyaaa!"

A flurry of punches rained down on Qi Yuan, yet his body remained unwavering before Dao Zhi.

Since the Twelve Buddha Palms had no effect on Qi Yuan, the monk-like young man unleashed his second technique.

"Twelve Buddha Palms: Sky Ripper!"

This technique was similar to the first but concentrated Dao Zhi's qi into both of his hands.

Boom!

Boom! Boom!

The twelve strikes of the Sky Ripper technique finally sent Qi Yuan flying, but his body remained resilient against the consecutive attacks.

"You're really strong, handsome brat, haha. Now, you shall witness my sword techniques. Take this as an honor, haha," Dao Zhi declared, pulling a sword from a cowhide sheath on his back.

Swish!

Seeing Dao Zhi unsheath his weapon, Qi Yuan took several steps back and steadied his breath.

Whoosh!

An overwhelming burst of qi erupted from Qi Yuan's body, causing Dao Zhi's eyes to widen in shock.

"So... powerful. Alright then, I'll receive your attack with my sword, handsome brat," Dao Zhi challenged, pointing his blade at Qi Yuan, whose qi was surging violently.

Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed in Qi Yuan's mind—his own newly created combination technique. Meanwhile, Dao Zhi felt insulted as Qi Yuan simply closed his eyes instead of preparing to counter.

"W-what is this? Such an incredible power! Oh, I see! I understand now!" Qi Yuan thought to himself, realizing a new technique due to his genius-level comprehension of cultivation.

Qi Yuan's eyes snapped open, and he immediately noticed Dao Zhi's sword slashing toward him at close range.

"Whoa!" Qi Yuan swiftly parried with Longyuan Jian, his black sword.

Clang!

Zzzttt!

"Lightning Dragon Step—Unleash!"

With a single motion, Qi Yuan's attack sent Dao Zhi flying, his body crackling with electricity from the lightning-infused Longyuan Jian.

"Damn it! That lightning element is painful! Uagh!" Dao Zhi coughed up blood from the sheer force of the attack.

Qi Yuan didn't hold back and immediately followed up with his next technique.

"Sword Breath! Thunder Dragon Slash!"

Whoosh!

Uaaagh!

Slash after slash tore into Dao Zhi's body, but Qi Yuan wasn't finished yet.

The battle looked like a fight to the death, as their power had far surpassed the Qi Foundation stage. Qi Yuan was dominating the Blazing Battle Arena, where the final trial of the Scorching Heaven Sword Sect was taking place.

"Second technique—Sword Breath! Thunder Slash!"

Qi Yuan's relentless barrage pushed Dao Zhi to his limits, forcing him to defend with all his might.

Slash!

Swoosh!

Ugh!

Dao Zhi's agonized scream echoed throughout the arena, reaching the ears of the remaining participants.

"How brutal. But his sword techniques are incredible… That kid is a genius!" Wu Ming remarked in admiration while watching from outside the arena.

"I just realized! That technique… it resembles the sword arts of the Purple Lotus Sect. Is he from that sect? Or did he learn it from someone? No, never mind!" Xiao Mei muttered to herself, puzzled by the similarity.

Qi Yuan continued his relentless assault, while Dao Zhi could do nothing but take each blow.

"I... I surrender—uagh!" Dao Zhi attempted to speak but was interrupted by yet another devastating strike.

"What did you say? I didn't hear you. How disappointing," Qi Yuan replied coldly, throwing Dao Zhi's earlier words back at him.

Finally, Qi Yuan unleashed his finishing move before sheathing his sword.

"Holy Dragon Piercing the Sky—Activate!"

"Roar of the Thunder Dragon!"

Before Dao Zhi could react, Qi Yuan delivered his ultimate self-created technique, sending his opponent flying at incredible speed. Dao Zhi's body crashed violently into the distant wall, beyond where the other participants stood.

The crowd was left in shock at Qi Yuan's overwhelming display of power.

"This young monk was quite strong… but he was a decent sparring partner for refining my new combination techniques," Qi Yuan mused, stepping down from the arena.

His once-sharp gaze returned to its usual calm expression as he finished his battle with Dao Zhi. Meanwhile, the remaining participants eyed him with wariness as he approached Xiao Mei.

A moment later, a mysterious voice transmitted an announcement.

"The winner of the fourth battle is—Qi Yuan! Congratulations to those who have won the final trial! Now, only four young cultivators remain, the geniuses of the Huo Zhou Continent!"

"Wu Ming."

"Zhao Ling."

"Xiao Mei."

"Qi Yuan."

"Those whose names have been called, proceed through the door in the center of the arena. You will be immediately accepted into the Scorching Heaven Sword Sect. Prepare yourselves, young talents—your fate is in your hands! Hahaha!"

The four victors ascended the stage and gathered before a portal of radiant white light that had appeared in the arena's center.

Then, in the blink of an eye, they vanished along with the glowing portal.

Meanwhile, the eliminated participants were transported outside the sect near Mount Huatian, their injuries completely healed.

Swoosh!

From twenty applicants, only four had survived the Scorching Heaven Sword Sect's entrance trials. Today, they would officially become disciples of the sect.

As evening fell, the four young geniuses—Wu Ming, Zhao Ling, Xiao Mei, and Qi Yuan—had successfully entered the strongest sect in Huo Zhou Continent.

What grueling training awaits Qi Yuan and the others?

Are they truly among the greatest young cultivators in Huo Zhou?

And what challenges lie ahead within the Scorching Heaven Sword Sect?

To Be Continued...